The Women’s Ride is scheduled for Saturday, June 4, in at least 16 different communities across Maine, according to a news release from the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.

“After receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback last year, we’re excited to bring back this statewide Women’s Ride format in 2022,” said Bicycle Coalition of Maine Event Director Colleen Donohoe. “And we truly appreciate the generosity of our presenting sponsors, Northern Light Health and Norway Savings Bank, for making it possible.”

The coalition says the format is intended to make the ride as accessible as possible to as many women as possible.

The Women’s Ride is open to all self-identifying women — including femme, transgender, and non-binary — and will feature road, gravel, and mountain bike options with difficulty levels ranging from beginner to seasoned.

Rides have thus far been confirmed in Augusta, Belfast, Carrabassett Valley, Falmouth, Gorham, Lewiston, Madawaska, Orland, Orono, Portland, South Portland, Thomaston, Topsham, Westbrook, Winter Harbor and Yarmouth.

Although any bike shop, bike club, or individual can host a ride, all leaders, sweeps, and other riders must be women.

“We want to provide an event where all women of all riding types and skill levels can feel welcome and comfortable riding in a group setting,” Donohoe said.

In preparation for the Women’s Ride, the coalition invites women to register for a fix-a-flat session on Wednesday, May 25, and an urban biking class on Wednesday, June 1. Both classes are free, and will be held at the coalition’s office, 38 Diamond St. in Portland.

Following the June 4 Women’s Ride, the coalition will be holding additional group rides — dubbed the “Women’s Ride Summer Series” — every other Wednesday in the Greater Portland region. More details will be shared in early June. These rides are also sponsored by Norway Savings Bank and Northern Light Health.

Registration for the Women’s Ride is pay-what-you-can, with a suggested donation of $35.

Interested women can find more information and register for the Women’s Ride at bikemaine.org/womens-ride.